How to Stop Sway on a Golf Swing

by Dan Howard

Minimizing hip motion helps you eliminate sway from your swing.

Golf distances are measured in yards, but the difference between a good shot and a bad shot can be the result of just a fraction of an inch of body movement. Most swing styles require your hips to move backward during the backswing. However, improper form can make your back hip tilt upward, causing it to no longer be in line with the ground and resulting in difficulty making smooth contact. The good news is that you can fix a sway problem easily by focusing on your body positioning and avoiding any hip motion in the first place.

Assume a standard golf stance with your knees bent.

Scoot backward until your head is aligned slightly behind the ball.

Shift your body weight backward, so most of your weight is on your back foot before the swing starts. You should feel most of the weight coming down on your back arch.

Lift the club straight upward to begin your backswing. Your hips will not have to move laterally since your weight is already on your back foot.

Keep both knees slightly bent throughout your swing. Many players lock their back knee during their backswing, which forces the back hip to sway higher than the front hip.

Swing downward toward the ball. Focus on keeping both knees bent about the same amount to avoid adding any hip sway during the downswing.

Tip

Some players may have trouble keeping the hips steady and knees bent due to physical limitations. Try stretching before your round to help improve your range of motion and keep your hips in the proper position for a sway-free swing.

References

About the Author

Dan Howard is a sports and fitness aficionado who holds a master's degree in psychology. Howard's postgraduate research on the brain and learning has appeared in several academic books and peer-reviewed psychology journals.